Christmas Along the Elbe

Visit the gloriously restored city of Dresden and browse the stalls of the Striezelmarkt for a festive treat. Begin with a panoramic drive to the Neustadt district on the right bank of the Elbe to admire beautiful 19th-century residences and cultural institutions. Then, visit the Grünes Gewölbe, the Green Vault museum which houses what is said to be the largest collection of treasures in the world. Marvel at the magnificent Semper Opera House and see the spectacular Zwinger Palace, a rococo-style complex that was once an exhibition court for royalty. Get into the holiday spirit during a stop at the Striezelmarkt, the world’s oldest Christmas market; in 2019, the city celebrated its 585th anniversary. Enjoy free time to admire the stalls brimming with handmade yuletide ornaments, and savor a delicious warming helping of glühwein served in a themed decorative mug and spiced with cloves and cinnamon.

Enjoy a spectacle of classical music performed by members of the Dresden Residence Orchestra in a stunning setting. For more than 300 years, the baroque-style Zwinger Palace in Dresden has played host to some of the world’s leading composers. Upon arrival, admire the illuminated palace in all its glory. One of the historic gems of Dresden, you will marvel at the magnificent Wall Pavilion, one of the palace’s architectural highlights; its opulent facade depicts the tale of its link to Ancient Greece. You will be greeted in the foyer before climbing the winding staircase to the beautiful concert hall. Take your seat, then sit back and relax as you enjoy the performance, featuring well-known works by classical masters such as Mozart, Bach, Strauss and Tchaikovsky. Refreshments are available from the bar during the intermission. After the performance, you will return to your ship.

Discover the history and traditions of Upper Lusatia in Saxony during a full-day excursion. Travel to Herrnhut, the home of the Moravian Church, for a visit to the Herrnhuter Stern Factory. Learn about the history of the Moravian star and its symbolic connection to Advent and the star of Bethlehem before making your own decorative display. Then continue to charming Bautzen, the political and cultural center of the Sorbs, who lived north of the Carpathian Mountains in Central and Eastern Europe. Enjoy a delicious lunch of Sorbian fare, then take a guided walk of Bautzen. Admire its medieval towers and St. Peter’s Cathedral, the oldest and largest bi-denominational church in Germany. Cap your tour at the charming Wenzelmarkt, one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets, and enjoy free time to browse the stalls stocked with seasonal wares.

Enjoy an introduction to Saxon whiskey during an excursion to the Dresdner Whisky Manufaktur. Steeped in Scottish traditions but with a taste and methods all its own, Dresdner is Germany’s largest whisky distillery, producing approximately 2½ million bottles of its Hellinger 42 annually. You will transfer by motor coach from your ship to the distillery, located in Dresden’s historic Alberthafen waterfront. Upon arrival, watch an introductory video comparing Scottish whisky and Saxon whisky production methods. Afterward, view the brewing room where more than 13,000 feet of pipes connect fermentation tanks, mash tun, stills and more. Cap your visit with a tasting of three different whiskys, including a mild tasting Hellinger 42 and a fruit-noted Hellinger 42 Sherry. Afterward, you will return to your awaiting ship.